Automatic trimming of image data

ABSTRACT

Image production record information related to image data is used to determine whether or not to execute a trimming process. Exposure program data and photograph scene data or subject area information, etc., are used as the image production record information.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/717,305, filed on Nov. 18, 2003, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a technique for trimming images.

2. Description of the Related Art

When images photographed with digital still cameras are printed, only aprinting range with an aspect ratio different from that of the image cansometimes be printed. The portions outside the printing range are cutoff, which is referred to as trimming.

However, in the conventional technology, problems arise because trimmingis always turned off and on in the same way for all cases. For example,when all images are trimmed, parts of objects in the photograph (such aspeople) which are important in terms of the picture composition may becut off. Another problem is that the picture composition intended by theuser at the time the picture was photographed may not be reflected as aresult of the trimming process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a technique for suitablydetermining whether or not to execute a trimming process for individualimage data.

The output device according to the present invention outputs an imageusing image data produced by an image-producing device, and imageproduction record information related to the image data, and ischaracterized by comprising: an image data processor for executing atrimming process upon determining whether or not to trim the image databased on the image production record information; and an image outputdevice for outputting an image according to the image data processed bythe image data processor.

The output device in the invention appropriately determines whether ornot to execute a trimming process for individual image data because thedetermination on whether or not to execute the trimming process is basedon the image production record information related to the image data.

The present invention can also be worked in various embodiments, such asan image output method and image output device, image processing methodand image processing device, computer programs for executing thefunctions of such methods or devices, recording media on which suchcomputer programs are recorded, and data signals embodied in carrierwaves including such computer programs.

These and other objects of the invention, its features, aspects, andadvantages will become more apparent in the following preferredembodiments and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the image outputsystem in a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of a digitalstill camera 12.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of the internal structure ofan image file which can be used in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the data structure of an ancillaryinformation storage field 103.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the data structure of an Exifinformation field.

FIG. 6 illustrates a subject area in an image 500.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of a printer20.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the structure of the printer 20, focusingon the control circuit 30 of the printer 20.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the process for producing an image file GF ina digital still camera 12.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a routine for image data processing in theprinter 20.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a routine for automatic image dataprocessing.

FIGS. 12(A) through 12(C) illustrate an example of an image produced bya DSC and its printing image.

FIGS. 13(A) through 13(C) illustrate another example of an imageproduced by a DSC and its printing image.

FIGS. 14(A) through 14(C) illustrate yet another example of an imageproduced by a DSC and its printing image.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a routine for automatic image dataprocessing.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an image output system applicable toan image data processing device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The output image process for image files according the invention will bedescribed in the following order in the embodiments below with referenceto the drawings.

A. Structure of Image Output System B. Structure of Image File C.Structure of Image Output Device Capable of Using Image File D. ImageData Process in Digital Still Camera E. Image Data Process in Printer F.Example of Automatic Image Data Process G. Structure of Image OutputSystem Using Image Data Processing Device H. Variants A. Structure ofImage Output System

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an image output system capable of usingan output device according to a first embodiment of the invention. Theimage output system 10 comprises a digital still camera 12 as animage-producing device for producing an image file, and a printer 20 asan image output device. The image files produced by the digital stillcamera 12 are sent to the printer by directly inserting a memory card MC(on which the image files are stored) through a cable CV to the printer20. The printer 20 outputs an image upon processing the image data basedon the read image file. A monitor 14 such as a CRT display or LCDdisplay, a projector, or the like can also be used instead of theprinter 20 as the output device. In the following description, a printer20 equipped with an image data processor and an image data output unitis used as the output device, and memory cards MC are directly insertedinto the printer 20.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the structure of adigital still camera 12. The digital camera 12 in this embodimentcomprises an optical circuit 121 for collecting optical information, animage acquisition circuit 122 for acquiring an image by controlling theoptical circuit, an image processing circuit 123 for processing theacquired digital image, a flash 130 serving as a supplementary lightsource, and a control circuit 124 for controlling the circuits. Thecontrol circuit 124 is equipped with memory (not shown). The opticalcircuit 121 comprises a lens 125 for gathering optical information, anaperture 129 for controlling the amount of light, and a CCD 128 forconverting the optical information passing through the lens into imagedata.

The digital camera 12 stores the acquired images in the memory card MC.The image data in the digital camera 12 is generally kept in JPEGformat, but other formats can also be used, such as TIFF, GIF, BMP, andRAW data formats.

The digital camera 12 also comprises a select/set button 126 for settingvarious photographing conditions, and a liquid crystal display 127. Theliquid crystal display 127 is used when previewing photographed images,setting an aperture value using the select/set button, and so forth.

When the digital camera 12 is used to take a photograph, the image dataand image production record information are stored as image files in thememory card MC. The image production record information (described indetail below) can include set parameters such as the aperture value whenphotographs are taken (when image data is produced).

B. Structure of Image File

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of the inner structure of animage file which can be used in the embodiment. The image file GFcomprises an image information storage field 101 where the image data GDis stored, and an image production record information storage field 102where the image production record information GI is stored. The imagedata GD is stored, for example, in JPEG format, and the image productionrecord information GI is stored, for example, in TIFF format (format inwhich information and information field are specified using tags). Theterms “file structure” and “data structure” in this embodiment mean thestructure of files or data while the files or data are stored in memory.

The image production record information GI is information related to theimage when the image data is produced (when photographs are taken) inthe image-producing device such as the digital camera 12, and includesthe following settings.

Subject distance

Subject distance range

Subject area

Exposure program

Exposure time

Aperture value

ISO Speed rate (ISO sensitivity)

Photograph scene

Manufacturer's name

Model name

Gamma value

The image files in this embodiment should basically have an image datastorage field 101 and an image production record information storagefield 102, and may have a file structure according to an existingstandardized file format. The following specific description pertains tocases where the image file GF pertaining to this embodiment conforms tothe Exif file format.

An Exif file has a file structure in accordance with the digital stillcamera image file format specification (Exif). The specification hasbeen established by the Japan Electronics and Information TechnologyIndustries Association (JEITA). Similar to the conceptual diagram inFIG. 3, the Exif file format comprises a JPEG image data storage fieldfor storing image data in the JPEG format; and an ancillary informationstorage field for storing information of various kinds relating tostored JPEG image data. The JPEG image data storage field corresponds tothe image data storage field 101 in FIG. 3, and the ancillaryinformation storage field to the images generation record informationstorage field 102. The ancillary information storage field stores imageproduction record information relating to a JPEG image, such asphotographing date/time, aperture value, and subject distance.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram describing an example of data structureof the ancillary information storage field 103. In the Exif file format,hierarchical tags are used to designate data fields. Each data fieldcontains within it a plurality of subordinate data fields identified bysubordinate tags. In FIG. 4, areas enclosed by rectangles representsingle data fields, with tag names noted at upper left. In thisembodiment, three data fields whose tag names are APP0, APP1, and APP6are contained. The APP1 data field contains within it two data fieldswhose tag names are IFD0 and IFD1. The IFD0 data field contains threedata fields whose tag names are PIM, Exif, and GPS. Data and data fieldsare stored according to a prescribed address or offset value, allowingthe address or offset value to be searched by means of tag name. On theoutput device end, data corresponding to desired information can beacquired by specifying an address or offset value corresponding to thedesired information.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of datastructure (data tag names and parameter values) in the Exif data fieldin FIG. 4, where tag names can be referenced by tracing in the orderAPP1-IFD0-Exif. As shown in FIG. 4, the Exif data field can include adata field whose tag name is MakerNote. The MakerNote data field can inturn include a plurality of items of data, although these are not shownin FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the Exif data field stores parameter values relatingto information such as subject distance, exposure program, photographscene, aperture value, and ISO speed rate.

The exposure program information and photograph scene information areused in a first embodiment of the automatic image data process in theinvention. The exposure program information allows any of manual,normal, exposure priority, shutter priority, creative, action, portrait,or landscape programs to be appropriately selected according to thephotographing conditions. The normal program is selected as the defaultsetting.

The subject area information is used in a second embodiment of theautomatic image data process of the invention. FIG. 6 illustrates thesubject area 510 in an image 500. As illustrated, the subject area isrepresented by central coordinates starting on the left of the image,and area diameter. The subject area may be rectangular, in which casethe range of the area is represented by height and width. The subjectinformation has such information specifying the subject area.

Information related to the image data may be appropriately stored infields other than the Exif data field in FIG. 4. For example, theManufacturer's name or Model name specifying the image-producing devicecan be stored in the data field with the IFD0 tag.

C. Structure of Image Output Device Capable of Using Image File

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the structure of aprinter 20. The printer 20 is capable of image output; for example, itis an ink jet printer that ejects ink of four colors, cyan C, magentaMg, yellow Y, and black K, on a print medium to produce a dot pattern.An electrophotoimage printer that transfers and fixes toner onto a printmedium may also be used. In addition to the four colors indicated above,light cyan LC which is lighter in density than cyan C, light magenta LMwhich is lighter in density than magenta Mg, and dark yellow DY which isdarker in density than yellow Y may be used as ink. Where monochromaticprinting is performed, the arrangement may employ black K only; or red Ror green G may be used. The type of ink or toner used can be selecteddepending on the characteristics of the image for output.

As shown in the drawing, the printer 20 comprises a mechanism fordriving a print head 211 mounted on a carriage 21, to eject ink and formdots; a mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 21 in the axialdirection of a platen 23 by means of a carriage motor 22; a mechanismfor feeding printer paper P by means of a paper feed motor 24; and acontrol circuit 30. By means of these mechanisms, the printer 20functions as an image output component. The mechanism for reciprocatingthe carriage 21 in the axial direction of a platen 23 is composed of aslide rail 25 extending parallel to the axis of the platen 23, forslidably retaining the carriage 21; a pulley 27 coupled via an endlessdrive belt 26 to a carriage motor 22; and a position sensor 28 forsensing the home position of the carriage 21. The mechanism for feedingprinter paper P is composed of the platen 23; the paper feed motor 24which rotates the platen 23; an auxiliary paper feed roller, not shownin the drawing; and a gear train (not shown) for transmitting therotation of the paper feed motor 24 to the platen 23 and the auxiliarypaper feed roller.

The control circuit 30 exchanges signals with a printer control panel 29while appropriately controlling the operation of the paper feed motor24, carriage motor 22, and print head 211. Printer paper P supplied tothe printer 20 is inserted between the platen 23 and the auxiliary paperfeed roller, and is advanced in predetermined increments depending onthe rotation angle of the platen 23.

The carriage 21 has the print head 211, and enables mounting of an inkjet cartridge of utilizable ink. On the bottom face of print head 211are disposed nozzles for ejecting utilizable ink (not shown).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the printer 20,focusing on the control circuit 30 of the printer 20. Within controlcircuit 30 are disposed a CPU 31, PROM 32, RAM 33, a memory card slot 34for acquiring data from a memory card MC, a peripheral deviceinput/output component (PIO) 35 for exchanging data with the paper feedmotor 24 or carriage motor 22, etc., and a drive buffer 37. The drivebuffer 37 is used as a buffer for supplying dot on/off signals to theprint head 211. These components are interconnected by a bus 38,allowing them to exchange data. The control circuit 30 is also providedwith a transmitter 39 for outputting a drive waveform at a certainfrequency, and an output distribution device 40 for distributing theoutput of transmitter 39 to the print head 211 at a predeterminedtiming.

The control circuit 30 outputs dot data to the drive buffer 37 at apredetermined timing in synchronization with the operations of the paperfeed motor 24 and carriage motor 22. The control circuit 30 also readsimage files from the memory card MC, analyzes the ancillary information,and processes the image based on the image production recordinformation. That is, the control circuit 30 functions as an image dataprocessor. The details of the image processing performed by the controlcircuit 30 will be described in detail below.

D. Image Data Process for Digital Still Camera

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for producing an image fileGF in a digital still camera 12.

The control circuit 124 (FIG. 2) of the digital still camera 12 producesimage data GD in response to a photographing request such as depressingthe shutter button (Step S100). When a parameter such as the aperturevalue, exposure program, or photograph scene has been set, image data GDis produced using the set parameter values.

The control circuit 124 stores the resulting image data GD and imageproduction record information GI as an image file GF on the memory cardMC (Step S110), and terminates the processing routine. The imageproduction record information GI includes parameters used at the timethe image is produced, such as aperture value and ISO sensitivity,custom set parameters such as the photograph scene, and automaticallyset parameters such as the Manufacturer's name and Model name. Imagedata GD is also stored in the image file GF after being converted fromthe RGB color space to the YCbCr color space and then compressed in JPEGformat.

As a result of the aforementioned processes executed by the digitalstill camera 12, both image data GD and image production recordinformation GI including various parameter values at the time the imagedata was produced are set in the image files GF stored on the memorycard MC.

E. Image Data Process in Printer FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a routine forprocessing images in the printer 20 of the present embodiment. Thefollowing description is based on cases where a memory card MC withimage files GF stored thereon is inserted directly into the printer 20.When the memory card MC has been inserted into the memory card slot 34,the CPU 31 of the control circuit 30 (FIG. 7) of the printer 20 readsthe image file GF from the memory card MC (Step S200). Next, in StepS210, the CPU 31 searches the ancillary information storage field of theimage file GF for image production record information GI indicatinginformation at the time that the image data was produced. When imageproduction record information GI is found (Step S220: Y), the CPU 31acquires and analyzes the image production record information GI (StepS230). Based on the analyzed image production record information GI, theCPU 31 executes the following image process (Step S240), outputs theprocessed image (Step S250), and terminates the processing routine.

On the other hand, an image file created by a drawing application or thelike will not contain image production record information GI havinginformation such as the aperture value. If the CPU 31 cannot find imageproduction record information GI (Step S200: N), the standard process isperformed (Step S260), the processed image is output (Step S250), andthe processing routine is terminated.

F. Embodiment of Automatic Image Data Process

In the first and second embodiments described below, rimless L sizeprints are made of images taken with a digital still camera (DSC). Theaspect ratio of images produced by a DSC in the embodiments is 3:4, andthe L size aspect ratio is 3:4.415. In other words, because the DSCimage is longer than that of L size, a printing image is produced bymatching the lateral length of the image to that of L size, and thencutting the image at the top and bottom. In an ordinary process with notrimming, a printing image would be produced by enlarging or reducingthe image so that the entire image would be included in the printingarea.

F1. First Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a routine for an automatic image data process(step S240 in FIG. 10) in a first embodiment. In this embodiment, adetermination is made as to whether or not to trim the image based onthe exposure program information and the photograph scene information.First, the CPU 31 (FIG. 8) analyzes the image production recordinformation GI and obtains the exposure program information andphotograph scene information (step S400). Then, in step S410, the CPU 31determines whether or not to trim the image. In this embodiment, thetrimming is to be executed when the normal program has been selected asthe exposure program information, and the standard scene has beenselected as the photograph scene information. Next, either a trimmingprocess (step S420) or the usual process (step S430) is executed basedon the determination in step S410, and the process routine isterminated.

The following descriptions are of an example of an image being trimmedin step S420 and an example of an image processed in the usual manner instep S430.

FIGS. 12(A)-12(C) illustrate an example of an image produced by a DSCand its printing image. FIG. 12(A) shows an image 500 produced by a DSC,where a subject area 510 has been set in the image 500 a. The areasurrounded by the dashed lines in FIGS. 12(B) and 12(C) represents theprinting area (area to be trimmed) when printed in L size. As notedabove, when the image is trimmed, the image 500 a is enlarged or reducedto match the lateral length of the image 500 a to the L size printingarea, as illustrated in FIG. 12(B). The image 500 a was taken underconditions where the exposure program was the normal program and thephotograph scene information was a standard scene. In general, when theexposure program information and photograph scene information are set tothe default, the photographer often takes the picture without anyespecial compositional intent, and there is often greater backgroundspace around the subject (a person in this embodiment). Based on theaforementioned conditions, it is determined that the image 500 a in FIG.12(A) should be trimmed in step S410 in FIG. 11, and the top and bottomof the image are cut by the trimming process, giving the printing image520 illustrated in FIG. 12(C).

FIGS. 13(A)-13(C) illustrates another example of trimming. The image 500a in FIG. 13(A) is the same as that in FIG. 12(A), but the image 500 ain FIG. 13(B) is enlarged more than in the example in FIG. 12(B). Thatis, the image 500 a in FIG. 13(B) is enlarged so that both the heightand width are greater than the printing area (indicated by dashedlines). The magnification at this time is set, for example, in such away that the subject area 510 will not extend beyond the printing area.Setting the magnification in such a way that the subject area 510 isadjacent to the outer periphery of the printing area, as illustrated inFIGS. 13(B) and 13(C), is advantageous in terms of allowing the subjectarea 510 to be reproduced larger. Alternatively, the magnification mayalso be set so that the subject area 510 is inwardly separate by acertain distance (such as 5 mm) from the outer periphery of the printingarea.

FIGS. 14(A)-14(C) illustrates yet another example of an image producedby a DSC and a printing image which has undergone an automatic imagedata process. FIG. 14(A) illustrates an image 500 b produced by a DSC,where the subject area 510 has been set in the image 500 b. The areasurrounded by the dashed lines in FIGS. 14(B) and 14(C) represents theprinting area when printed in L size. As noted above, when the image istrimmed, the image 500 b is enlarged or reduced to match the laterallength of the image 500 b to the L size printing area, as illustrated inFIG. 14(B). The image 500 b was taken under conditions where theexposure program was the normal program and the photograph sceneinformation was of a person. In general, when the exposure programinformation and/or photograph scene information are set outside thedefault, the photographer often takes the picture with a particularcompositional intent, and the subject (a person in this embodiment)often takes up most of the background space. In this embodiment, becausethe photograph scene was set to a human, it is determined that the image500 b in FIG. 14(A) should not be trimmed in step S410 in FIG. 11, andthe image is reduced so that the entire image is inside the printingarea, thus producing a printing image 530 as illustrated in FIG. 14(C).In this embodiment, a margin is provided at the top and bottom as wellas the left and right of the image 530, but the image 530 may also fitinside the L size printing area. The longitudinal length of the image530 may, for example, be matched to the longitudinal length of theprinting area.

The determination as to whether or not to trim individual image data canthus be automatically determined in this embodiment because thedetermination as to whether or not to trim the image is based on theexposure program information and photograph scene information related tothe image data.

F2. Second Embodiment

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a routine for an automatic image data process(step S240 in FIG. 10) in a second embodiment. In this embodiment, thedetermination as to whether or not to trim the image is based on thesubject area information. First, the CPU 31 (FIG. 8) analyzes the imageproduction record information GI and acquires the subject areainformation (step S500). Then, in step S510, the CPU 31 judges whetheror not the subject area will be cut as a result of the trimming process.Then, based on the determination in step S510, either a trimming process(step S520) or the usual process (step S530) is executed, and theprocess routine is terminated.

The following descriptions are of an example of an image being trimmedin step S520 and an example of an image processed in the usual manner instep S530.

In the above example in FIGS. 12(A)-12(C), as is evident in FIG. 12(B),the subject area 510 is not cut when the image is trimmed. It is thusdetermined that the image 500 a in FIG. 12(A) should be trimmed in stepS510 in FIG. 15, and the top and bottom are cut in the trimming processto produce the printing image 520, as illustrated in FIG. 12(C). As analternative to the trimming method in FIGS. 12(A)-12(C), thedetermination to likewise trim the image is made when adopting thetrimming method in FIGS. 13(A)-13(C).

In the example in FIGS. 14(A)-14(C), as is evident in FIG. 14(B), partof the subject area 510 will be cut if the image is trimmed. It is thusdetermined that the image 500 b in FIG. 14A should not be trimmed instep S510 in FIG. 15, and the entire image is reduced so as to be insidethe printing area to produce the printing image 530, as illustrated inFIG. 14(C).

The determination as to whether or not to trim individual image data canthus be automatically determined in this embodiment because thedetermination as to whether or not to trim the image is based on thesubject area information related to the image data.

G. Structure of Image Output System using Image Data Processing Device

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of an image output system capable ofemploying the image data processing device according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The image output system 10B comprises a digital stillcamera 12 as an image-producing device for producing image files, acomputer PC for running the image data process based on the image files,and a printer 20B as an image output device for outputting images. Thecomputer PC is a commonly used type of computer and functions as animage data processing device. A CRT display, LCD display, or othermonitor 14B, or a projector or the like, can be used as the image outputdevice instead of the printer 20B. In the following description, it isassumed that the printer 20B is used as the image output device. Thisembodiment differs from the image output system embodiment describedpreviously (FIG. 1) in that the image data processing device having animage data processor and the image output device having an image outputunit are constituted independently. The computer PC serving as the imagedata processing device and the printer having an image output unit canbe referred to as an “output device” in the broad sense.

An image file created in the digital still camera 12 is transferred tothe computer PC via a cable CV, or by directly inserting a memory cardMC having the image file stored thereon into the computer PC. Thecomputer PC executes image data processing of the image data based onthe read out image file. The image data produced by the image dataprocess is transferred to the printer 20B via a cable CV, and output bythe printer 20B.

The computer PC comprises a CPU 150 for executing a program thatrealizes the aforementioned image data process; RAM 151 for temporarilystoring the calculated results by the CPU 150, image data, and the like;and a hard disk drive (HDD) 152 for storing data needed for the imagedata process, such as an image data processing program, lookup tables,or aperture value tables. The CPU 150, RAM 151, and HDD 152 function asthe image data processor. The computer PC further comprises a memorycard slot 153 for installing a memory card MC; and an input/outputterminal 154 for connecting a connector cable from the digital stillcamera 12 or the like.

An image file GF created by a digital still camera 12 is supplied to thecomputer PC via a cable or via a memory card MC. When an image dataprocessing application program such as an image retouching applicationor a printer driver is activated by user operations, the CPU 150executes an images processing routine (FIG. 10) to process the readimage file GF. Alternatively, the image data processing applicationprogram may be set to start up automatically when a memory card MC isinserted into the memory card slot 153, or when connection of a digitalstill camera 12 to the input/output terminal 154 via a cable isdetected.

Image data processed by the CPU 150 is transferred to an image outputdevice such as the printer 20B instead of being output in Step S250 ofthe images processing routine (FIG. 10), whereupon the image outputdevice receiving the image data outputs the image.

In this embodiment, images are processed using an image data processorin the computer PC, making it possible to use an image output devicethat does not have an image data processor. Where the image outputdevice is provided with an image data processor, the image data may besent to the image output device without being subjected to imageprocessing on the computer PC, and the image data processor of the imageoutput device can perform the image process.

As noted above, the determination as to whether or not to trimindividual image data can thus be automatically determined in the aboveembodiments because the determination on whether or not to trim theimage is based on image production record information related to theimage data.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be workedin a variety of embodiments within the scope of the invention. Thefollowing are possible variants.

H. Variants

H1. Variant 1

In the first embodiment, it is determined to execute the trimming oncondition that the normal program has been selected as the exposureprogram information, and that the standard scene has been selected asthe photograph scene information, but other conditions can be used tomake the determination. For example, the trimming may also be executedon condition that the normal program has been selected as the exposureprogram information, and that landscape or night time scene has beenselected as the photograph scene.

H2. Variant 2

In the first and second embodiments above, an image is printedimmediately after the determination is made on whether or not to trimthe image, but users can be given the option of turn trimming on or offbefore printing. For example, thumbnails of how the images will lookafter the automatic image data process can be displayed before printing,and the user may check the images to switch trimming on or off.

H3. Variant 3

The above first and second embodiments may also be combined. Forexample, in step S410 in FIG. 11, when the determination is made to trimthe image, the routine in FIG. 15 may also be executed in step S420.This will permit more reliable decisions on whether or not to trimimages.

H4. Variant 4

When the subject area 510 is to be cut as a result of the trimmingprocess as in image 500 in FIG. 14(A) in the second embodiment, thetrimming process may be implemented by offsetting the printing area sothat the subject area 510 is not cut. In the embodiment in FIG. 14(A),for example, when the image is trimmed, the upper part of the subjectarea 510 is cut, but the image can be trimmed by trimming only thebottom portion of the image so as to avoid damaging the subject area510. When the longitudinal size of the subject area 510 is greater thanthat of the printing area in the second embodiment, the image is nottrimmed, and the above process does not have to be implemented.

H5. Variant 5

In the above embodiments, the trimming process is implemented bymatching the longitudinal or lateral size of the image to the outputsize, and cutting off the parts that extend beyond, but the process cangenerally be implemented in such a way that the image is enlarged orreduced with the same aspect ratio to a size encompassing the designatedimage output size to cut off the portions extending beyond the imageoutput size.

H6. Variant 6

A printer is used as the image output device in the above embodiments,but other image output devices can be used instead of printers.Embodiments include the use of CRT displays, LCD displays, andprojectors as the image output device.

H7. Variant 7

Files in Exif format are used as specific examples of image files GF inthe above embodiments, but the format of image files in the inventionare not limited, and any other formats can be used. In general, imagefiles include image data produced by an image-producing device and imageproduction record information GI indicating the conditions when theimage data is produced. Such files allow image data produced by theimage-producing device to be processed automatically as appropriate andto be output from an output device. The subject area is not limited tothe parameters of the Exif format described above, and can be realizedby the parameters and data of various other formats. For example,parameters indicating the focus field or the focus position duringauto-focus operation may be used. When users can specify any subjectarea position or its shape when taking photographs, the parametersrepresenting them may be used as the parameters showing the subjectarea.

H8. Variant 8

A digital still camera 12 is used as an image-producing device in theabove embodiments, but image files can be produced using other devicessuch as scanners and digital video cameras.

H9. Variant 9

Image data GD and image production record information GI are included inthe same image files GF in the above embodiments, but the image data GDand image production record information GI need not necessarily bestored in the same image file. That is, it is sufficient if the imagedata GD and image production record information GI are related. Forexample, related data relating the image data GD and image productionrecord information GI can be produced, one or more instances of imagedata GD and image production record information GI can be stored inindependent files, and the related image production record informationGI can be referenced when the image data GD is processed. In such cases,even though the image data GD and image production record information GIare stored in separate files, the image data GD and image productionrecord information GI are indispensably related when the image isprocessed using the image production record information GI, and thesituation is substantially the same as when they are stored in the samefile. That is, at least at the point where the image is processed, therelationship between the image data GD and image production recordinformation GI is included in the image file GF in this embodiment.Motion image files stored in optical disks such as CD-ROM, CD-R,DVD-ROM, and DVD-RAM are also included.

The invention was illustrated and described in detail above, but theseare given only as embodiments and do not in any way limit the invention.The concept and scope of the invention is limited only by the attachedclaims.

1. An image processing device for processing image data, comprising: anenlarging unit that executes an enlarging process to enlarge a faceimage area of an image; and a display unit that executes an outputtingprocess to output the image including the enlarged face image area to adisplaying area of the display unit, wherein a magnification of theenlarging process is set automatically so that the enlarged face imagearea will not extend beyond the displaying area.
 2. The image processingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the face image area is specified byface position information regarding a face position in the image, andwherein the enlarging unit does not execute the enlarging process if theimage data does not include the face position information.
 3. The imageprocessing device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit outputsa frame that encloses the image including the enlarged face image areato the displaying area in the outputting process.